An inflated market has forced a typically aggressive Alex Anthopoulos to take a back seat to this point in the offseason. For a general manager that’s generally all about value, it’s difficult to find it with so many teams handing out lucrative contracts to middle-of-the-road players. The Braves will certainly make a couple of worthwhile acquisitions before it’s all said and done, but the idea of them landing multiple high impact players this winter is beginning to feel like a pipe dream.
Braves Re-Sign Charlie Morton
I really don’t believe the Braves rotation situation is as dire of a need as some other areas. The Braves have an incredible top three in Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo Lopez. Most teams can’t hold a candle to that, and Spencer Strider should join them early in the season.
The Braves also have several depth options that are being written off. It may have taken Grant Holmes a long time to make his MLB debut, but he was outstanding last season and could certainly help round out the rotation. AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, Ian Anderson, and Hurston Waldrep could also get over the hump and prove to be impact arms at some point in 2025.
However, things would certainly feel a lot better with one more proven veteran, and at this point, Charlie Morton might be the Braves option. He might not be the frontline arm he once was a few years ago, but he’s a steady veteran that can still miss a lot of bats and be relied upon in a potential postseason scenario, given his experience.
Braves Add One Starting Caliber Outfielder
Coming into the offseason, I hoped for the Braves to make at least two significant splashes in the outfield, but it’s hard to see that happening with so few targets available following the first couple of waves of free agency. So, I’ll settle for one, which feels like a non-negotiable.
Left field has been a black hole for the club since the 2021 World Series run, and there’s still no telling what Ronald Acuña Jr. will provide when he’s cleared to play. The Braves need to stop being cheap when it comes to their outfield, relying on bargain bin options with some upside, and finally add a worthwhile impact bat through free agency or trade.
Braves Add One High Leverage Reliever
Adding to the bullpen isn’t something that necessarily has to be done during the offseason. A lot of targets will be attainable at the trade deadline, but with A.J. Minter a free agent and Joe Jimenez set to miss most of the 2025 season, the Braves are currently down two of their top relievers heading into next season. That’s a lot of production that needs to be replaced, and while there are some intriguing internal candidates, signing one more high-leverage reliever feels like a must.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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